A short time ago, North 42nd Street near USF looked a very different. Student apartment complexes were less abundant and open spaces with trees could still be found. Standing at the corner of N 42nd and Fletcher was a towering residential building for students, formerly known as Fontana Hall, The Edge, and to some Sky Tower Suites. A short stroll down the road from Fontana Hall was a little pub named The Greenery. The Greenery was a beloved location for college students and locals in Tampa, offering cheap beer, delicious food, and a place to play pool with friends.
It was the perfect spot for University of South Florida students who were on a tight budget but still wanted to have a good time. The interesting side entrance attached to the Bull Market convenience store was The Greenery’s signature. It was like a secret passage that only the cool kids knew about.
There was a time The Greenery and Bull Market were the dynamic duo of 42nd street. They were like peanut butter and jelly, or Batman and Robin. You couldn't have one without the other.
Back in the day, on Sundays, The Greenery was especially popular with USF students who were on a meal plan. The university didn't offer dinner on Sundays, so it became a go-to spot for hungry students. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good Sunday Funday?
Like most dive bars, The Greenery wasn't without it's faults. For one, the pub could be a little grimy at times, with sticky floors and tables that could use a good wipe down. The dark tinted windows gave the place an ominous vibe, which could be off-putting to some. For many regulars, these minor issues were just part of The Greenery's charm. It was a laid-back establishment that didn't take itself too seriously, and that's what made it so special.
Unfortunately, The Greenery closed down around 2011, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of USF students and Tampa locals alike. But imagine what it would be like if it were still open today.
Nestled in the mix of new massive off-campus student apartment complexes on N 42nd street, The Greenery would be the ultimate college hotspot. Picture it: students stumbling out of their apartments and into the warm embrace of The Greenery's welcoming doors, ready for a night of fun and debauchery.
But alas, The Greenery is no more. It's just a distant memory for those who were lucky enough to experience its glory days. Who knows, maybe one day we'll see The Greenery rise from the ashes like a phoenix and take its rightful place on 42nd street once again. One can only hope.
